ZHA Designs Hydrogen Fuel Stations in Italian Marinas as Serious Commitment to Sustainability

It is an innovative step taken by Zaha Hadid Architects (ZHA) in an effort to invest in a sustainable future. The design of the world's first green hydrogen refueling infrastructure for the recreational boat industry. It is considered an ambitious project which will later begin in 25 marinas and ports throughout Italy. A serious commitment to sustainability in the mode of maritime transport is seen in the effort to revolutionize the way boats are powered. Led directly by NatPower H, which is a subsidiary of the NatPower group which will begin implementation this summer, with plans over the next six years to expand it to more than 100 locations throughout the Mediterranean Sea. This initiative is in line with the global expansion plan to meet the increasing demand for sustainable resources that reduce the ecological impact in the recreational boat industry.

 Hydrogen Refuelling Stations for Italian Marinas by Zaha Hadid Architects (cr: Tecma Solutions)

In an effort to answer the demand for renewable energy, Zaha Hadid Architects designed each station to combine wind, solar and other renewable energy sources to produce other renewable energy to produce green hydrogen which is a stable and environmentally friendly resource. Utilizing NatPower H technology is able to respond to the increasing global need for sustainable energy solutions. The 100 fueling stations are expected to be operational by 2030 and are projected to eliminate 45,000 tonnes of greenhouse gas emissions from recreational vessels each year. Marine areas around the world are already beginning to restrict the use of diesel engines, highlighting the urgency of ecologically sustainable development. However, efforts to make this transition are hampered by the lack of infrastructure to distribute and refuel with zero-impact energy sources.

Hydrogen Refuelling Stations for Italian Marinas by Zaha Hadid Architects (cr: Tecma Solutions)

Zaha Hadid Architects and NatPower H were built on three key principles: safety, scalability and sustainability. The station building will feature PED-certified low-pressure metal hybrid technology specifically designed for marine applications, ensuring compactness, safety and durability in line with industry regulations. A further focus on circularity and protection of marine ecosystems underscores NatPower H’s commitment to responsible and sustainable energy solutions.

Hydrogen Refuelling Stations for Italian Marinas by Zaha Hadid Architects (cr: Tecma Solutions)Hydrogen Refuelling Stations for Italian Marinas by Zaha Hadid Architects (cr: ZHA)

Leveraging ZHA’s expertise in modular systems, the design can be adapted to suit a variety of locations across the Mediterranean. This adaptability allows the configuration of each fueling station to be designed to suit the needs such as size, seating, bicycle charging facilities and pedestrian circulation within the port and marina. The stations will be built with dry-assembled, fully recyclable bricks, minimizing construction waste while increasing material efficiency. Taking inspiration from nature, using striped structures and fluid geometry often found in Mediterranean landscapes and marine ecosystems. The results of ZHA's research on modular systems, computational design and 3D printing have resulted in a circular construction that can reduce structural materials by up to 50% without sacrificing performance.

Hydrogen Refuelling Stations for Italian Marinas by Zaha Hadid Architects (cr: Tecma Solutions)